It is a precious thought that before God opened the door of faith to the whole wide world of men, He selected and started to prepare a man to send through it. Saul's conversion on the Damascus road was accomplished entirely apart from any human agency. In its elements it is an outstanding example of God's ways from the foundation of the world. As in the beginning of creation it was accomplished by the light and word of the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Reading the story, it becomes clear that although Paul certainly received light and instruction from above at that point, he did not receive sight and life from above until he was baptised in the Holy Ghost through the ministry of Ananias in the city of Damascus some days later. Using these words in a strictly literal sense, he was converted on the Damascus road, but was regenerated three days later in the city. This latter, we observe, took place in a house in a street called Straight, which fact cannot be without some kind of spiritual significance. Certainly it is a straightforward enough fact that he was baptised in Spirit well before he was baptised in water. What great preparations God made in the man when fitting him for his world-wide task.
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G.W. North (1913 - 2003)
G. W. North was born in London England in 1913. As a young man he became aware that the Lord was calling him into the work of the ministry. At timely stages the Lord placed folk in his path who were able to direct him into the truth of heart purity and a more expansive understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He held pastorates in Kent and Bradford. By the late 1960s, following a significant period of ministry in Liverpool, he began a more itinerant ministry. This led him to many parts of the world, and occupied him until well into his eighties. His powerful preaching and the unique sense of the Lord's presence, which seemed to brood over his meetings, were always intensely challenging.The true secret of his remarkable ministry stemmed from his personal communion with the Lord Jesus. To him, 'entering the holiest' was not merely a theological concept; it was a distinct spiritual reality - and the central feature of his spiritual life. It was here, in the place of worship, that his revelatory ministry found its source. He preached from understanding and conviction. He was never the echo of another, nor did he take on board the ebb and flow of various contemporary emphases. He was not a man of 'books'; he soaked himself in Scripture and allowed it to saturate his heart and mind. Truly, this is a man who has lifted up a standard for the people. Mr North went to be with the Lord on 29th April 2003, shortly after his ninetieth birthday.